Lawrence man arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, sexual assault charges for second time in two weeks

For the second time in two weeks, Lawrence police have arrested a 26-year-old Lawrence man on suspicion of domestic battery and sexual assault charges, according to Douglas County Jail records.

Sgt. Randy Roberts, a Lawrence police spokesman, said officers at 2:50 p.m. Monday received a call from a neighbor about a disturbance in a central Lawrence apartment. Roberts said when they arrived police heard a woman screaming for help, forced entry into the residence and found a 26-year-old man battering his 22-year-old girlfriend.

Roberts said the woman had injuries to her face and neck but did not need medical attention. According to jail records Monday night, the 26-year-old man was booked on suspicion of domestic battery, criminal restraint and rape.

According to the Lawrence police website, officers were also investigating a sex crime complaint in connection with the case, but Roberts did not provide any information on the rape allegation.

Police also arrested the man Aug. 2 on rape and domestic battery charges after officers were called to Lawrence Memorial Hospital when the 22-year-old woman alleged she was assaulted by her boyfriend at the central Lawrence residence. But the man was released from jail Aug. 4 after prosecutors did not file formal charges at the time because they were seeking more information from investigators.

The Journal-World generally does not identify sex crime suspects unless they are convicted.

Whether they keep him in jail is often a function of the victim's willingness to cooperate with authorities. There is always a "rest of the story" with these types of cases. Did she allow him to come back home? Did she file for a PFA after the earlier police report? Most courts will at least grant a temporary order keeping the guy away if the victim files the paperwork--no attorney needed and no court costs for requesting a restraining order.